A Russian missile strike killed 11 people and injured 10 on Saturday in and around the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, the governor of the Ukrainian-controlled part of Donetsk region said.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian strike on Ukraine's Pokrovsk kills 11

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Kremlin told Russian news agencies on Saturday (December 3) that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit east Ukraine's Donbas region "in due time".&nbsp;Putin claims to have&nbsp;annexed&nbsp;the Donbas region and his planned&nbsp;visit might anger Ukraine&nbsp;and the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "In due time, this will happen, of course. This is a region of the Russian Federation."&nbsp;Peskov didn't mention the exact date of the visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-eu-g7-and-australia-agree-to-price-cap-on-russian-oil-539655">G7 and Australia follow EU, agree to $60 a barrel price cap on Russian crude oil</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The remarks came after the Kremlin said that the Russian president told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a phone call on Friday that the West's support&nbsp;to Ukraine was "destructive". Kremlin said that Putin also asked&nbsp;Berlin to rethink its approach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Scholz urged Putin to opt for a diplomatic solution to end the ongoing war, which caused global food and fuel crises. Scholz's spokesperson said that the German chancellor also suggested Russia "withdraw" its troops.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia Ukraine War: US' White House says no talks with Russian President Putin&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><strong>ALSO READ&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-accept-this-russia-rejects-dangerous-oil-price-cap-imposed-by-eu-g7-and-australia-539785">'Will not accept this': Russia rejects 'dangerous' oil price cap imposed by EU, G7 and Australia</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>During the phone call, Putin also told Scholz the Russian strikes were an "inevitable response to Kyiv's provocative attacks on Russia's civilian infrastructure". The missile strikes have destroyed around half of the Ukrainian energy system. which is worsening the situation for Ukrainians amid the winter cold.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the mention of "attacks on Russia's infrastructure", Putin referred to the October attack on a bridge linking Moscow-annexed Crimea to the Russian mainland. Moscow blames Ukraine for the attack, but Kyiv denies it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian president has blamed the West for carrying out "destructive" policies in Ukraine. The Kremlin said that Western political and financial aid meant Kyiv "completely rejects the idea of any negotiations".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Kremlin told Russian news agencies on Saturday (December 3) that Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit east Ukraine's Donbas region "in due time". Putin claims to have annexed the Donbas region and his planned visit might anger Ukraine and the West. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "In due time, this will happen, of course. This is a region of the Russian Federation." Peskov didn't mention the exact date of the visit. ALSO READ | G7 and Australia follow EU, agree to $60 a barrel price cap on Russian crude oil The remarks came after the Kremlin said that the Russian president told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a phone call on Friday that the West's support to Ukraine was "destructive". Kremlin said that Putin also asked Berlin to rethink its approach. On the other hand, Scholz urged Putin to opt for a diplomatic solution to end the ongoing war, which caused global food and fuel crises. Scholz's spokesperson said that the German chancellor also suggested Russia "withdraw" its troops. WATCH | Russia Ukraine War: US' White House says no talks with Russian President Putin × ALSO READ | 'Will not accept this': Russia rejects 'dangerous' oil price cap imposed by EU, G7 and Australia During the phone call, Putin also told Scholz the Russian strikes were an "inevitable response to Kyiv's provocative attacks on Russia's civilian infrastructure". The missile strikes have destroyed around half of the Ukrainian energy system. which is worsening the situation for Ukrainians amid the winter cold. With the mention of "attacks on Russia's infrastructure", Putin referred to the October attack on a bridge linking Moscow-annexed Crimea to the Russian mainland. Moscow blames Ukraine for the attack, but Kyiv denies it. The Russian president has blamed the West for carrying out "destructive" policies in Ukraine. The Kremlin said that Western political and financial aid meant Kyiv "completely rejects the idea of any negotiations". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow says Vladimir Putin will visit east Ukraine 'in due time'

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. </strong></em></p>

<p>World leaders have advocated for a diplomatic way to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has caused havoc in eastern Europe and also impacted the entire world.&nbsp;Many times leaders and think tanks urged both nations to come up with peaceful solutions, but the attempts at negotiation have been unproductive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While commenting on the possible peace talks, Kremlin on Thursday (November 17) accused Kyiv of shifting the goalposts. It stated that Russia could not imagine engaging in public negotiations with Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a briefing call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the United States was capable of taking Russia's concerns into account and could encourage Kyiv to return to the negotiating table if it wanted to.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-targets-ukraines-critical-infrastructure-in-fresh-missile-strikes-534999">Russia targets Ukraine's critical infrastructure, missile factory in fresh missile strikes</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Peskov said that throughout the almost nine-month-old war, Ukraine had changed its position several times. It is not clear whether or not it even wanted to negotiate with Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"First they negotiate, then they refuse to negotiate, then they pass a law that prohibits any kind of negotiations, then they say they want negotiations, but public ones," Peskov told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore it's difficult to imagine public negotiations. ... One thing is for sure: the Ukrainians do not want any negotiations," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Peskov further said that in this context Moscow would continue the "special military operation" in the neighbour nation. He mentioned that the missile strikes on targets across Ukraine were basically the consequence of Kyiv not being willing to meet at the negotiating table.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-that-landed-in-poland-came-from-ukraine-but-us-says-russia-bears-ultimate-responsibility-534834">Missile that landed in Poland 'came' from Ukraine, but US says 'Russia bears ultimate responsibility'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Fighting rages in Ukraine&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>On Thursday, Russia launched more missile strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Reports stated that Moscow pressed attacks in eastern Ukraine. Authorities said that&nbsp;at least four people were killed and more than a dozen others wounded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interfax Ukraine news agency quoted Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as saying: "Missiles are flying over Kyiv right now. Now they are bombing our gas production, they are bombing our enterprises in Dnipro and Yuzhmash (missile factory)."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strike has led to massive power outages, a huge problem for the Ukrainians as winter's first snow fell in Kyiv. Authorities are working to restore the power.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This morning in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dnipro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Dnipro</a> started with a terrible missile strike by a terrorist state. Russia continues torturing civilians. Stop <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussianWarCrimes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussianWarCrimes</a> — <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArmUkraineNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArmUkraineNow</a>.<br />
<br />
🎥<a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaIsATerroristState?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaIsATerroristState</a> <a href="https://t.co/0LRo6j8r6E">pic.twitter.com/0LRo6j8r6E</a></p>
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/1593211059460268032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Grain deal extended&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>His remarks came on the same day when a crucial grain deal, which was to expire on November 19, was extended for another 120 days on Thursday. The deal is an agreement that allows Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea—an attempt to tackle the global food crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia also confirmed that it had allowed the extension of the Ukraine grain deal. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: "The Russian side is also allowing for the technical extension of the grain initiative without changes in terms or scope."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Grain Deal will be prolonged for 120 days. 🇺🇦 together with <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@antonioguterres</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RTErdogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTErdogan</a> made key decision in the global fight against the food crisis. Waiting for official announcement from partners - 🇹🇷 and 🇺🇳.</p>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1593147550672224256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine claims fresh Russian strikes&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. World leaders have advocated for a diplomatic way to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has caused havoc in eastern Europe and also impacted the entire world. Many times leaders and think tanks urged both nations to come up with peaceful solutions, but the attempts at negotiation have been unproductive. While commenting on the possible peace talks, Kremlin on Thursday (November 17) accused Kyiv of shifting the goalposts. It stated that Russia could not imagine engaging in public negotiations with Ukraine. During a briefing call with reporters, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the United States was capable of taking Russia's concerns into account and could encourage Kyiv to return to the negotiating table if it wanted to. ALSO READ | Russia targets Ukraine's critical infrastructure, missile factory in fresh missile strikes Peskov said that throughout the almost nine-month-old war, Ukraine had changed its position several times. It is not clear whether or not it even wanted to negotiate with Moscow. "First they negotiate, then they refuse to negotiate, then they pass a law that prohibits any kind of negotiations, then they say they want negotiations, but public ones," Peskov told reporters. Therefore it's difficult to imagine public negotiations. ... One thing is for sure: the Ukrainians do not want any negotiations," he added. Peskov further said that in this context Moscow would continue the "special military operation" in the neighbour nation. He mentioned that the missile strikes on targets across Ukraine were basically the consequence of Kyiv not being willing to meet at the negotiating table. ALSO READ | Missile that landed in Poland 'came' from Ukraine, but US says 'Russia bears ultimate responsibility' Fighting rages in Ukraine On Thursday, Russia launched more missile strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Reports stated that Moscow pressed attacks in eastern Ukraine. Authorities said that at least four people were killed and more than a dozen others wounded. Interfax Ukraine news agency quoted Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as saying: "Missiles are flying over Kyiv right now. Now they are bombing our gas production, they are bombing our enterprises in Dnipro and Yuzhmash (missile factory)." The strike has led to massive power outages, a huge problem for the Ukrainians as winter's first snow fell in Kyiv. Authorities are working to restore the power. This morning in #Dnipro started with a terrible missile strike by a terrorist state. Russia continues torturing civilians. Stop #RussianWarCrimes — #ArmUkraineNow. 🎥@ZelenskyyUa #RussiaIsATerroristState pic.twitter.com/0LRo6j8r6E — MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) November 17, 2022 × Grain deal extended His remarks came on the same day when a crucial grain deal, which was to expire on November 19, was extended for another 120 days on Thursday. The deal is an agreement that allows Ukraine to export grain through the Black Sea—an attempt to tackle the global food crisis. Russia also confirmed that it had allowed the extension of the Ukraine grain deal. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said: "The Russian side is also allowing for the technical extension of the grain initiative without changes in terms or scope." Grain Deal will be prolonged for 120 days. 🇺🇦 together with @antonioguterres and @RTErdogan made key decision in the global fight against the food crisis. Waiting for official announcement from partners - 🇹🇷 and 🇺🇳. — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) November 17, 2022 × WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine claims fresh Russian strikes × You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kremlin: Kyiv shifting goalposts, demand for ‘public’ negotiations shows it’s not inclined for talks

For months Russia said that its main objective was to capture the Ukrainian territory of Donbass but on Wednesday Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia's military focus in Ukraine was no longer 'only the east of the country'.

Sergey Lavrov: Russia's military focus extends beyond East Ukraine

<p>Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said.</p>

<p>"Kiev and the Donbass (a term used to refer to rebel-held eastern Ukraine) have reached an accord on an exchange of prisoners... this Sunday December 29," Donetsk government spokeswoman Daria Morozova said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, Ukraine has not confirmed the development but both sides had said earlier this month that they would carry out a prisoner exchange by the end of the year, following peace&nbsp;talks in Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This development comes after Ukraine carried out an exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each three months ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the Paris summit on December 23, it was decided by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine to implement a full ceasefire with a new withdrawal of forces from conflict zones by March 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Over 13,000 people have been killed and one million have fled their homes since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>(<em>with inputs from AFP</em>)</p>


Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said.

Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said. "Kiev and the Donbass (a term used to refer to rebel-held eastern Ukraine) have reached an accord on an exchange of prisoners... this Sunday December 29," Donetsk government spokeswoman Daria Morozova said in a statement. So far, Ukraine has not confirmed the development but both sides had said earlier this month that they would carry out a prisoner exchange by the end of the year, following peace talks in Paris. This development comes after Ukraine carried out an exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each three months ago. At the Paris summit on December 23, it was decided by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine to implement a full ceasefire with a new withdrawal of forces from conflict zones by March 2020. Over 13,000 people have been killed and one million have fled their homes since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014. (with inputs from AFP)

Pro-Russia separatists, Ukraine to swap prisoners

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Russia-Ukraine war: Russian strike on Ukraine's Pokrovsk kills 11

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow says Vladimir Putin will visit east Ukraine 'in due time'

Kremlin: Kyiv shifting goalposts, demand for ‘public’ negotiations shows it’s not inclined for talks

Sergey Lavrov: Russia's military focus extends beyond East Ukraine

Pro-Russia separatists, Ukraine to swap prisoners